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Runway Excursion During Cargo Landing in Snow and Ice (N59985)

Chevak, AK, US

On April 11, 1999, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N59985) was involved in an aviation accident near Chevak, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the runway. Factors in the accident were a tail wind condition, and the presence of snow and ice on the runway surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airline transport pilot landed on a snow- and ice-covered runway with a quartering tailwind. After touchdown, blowing snow reduced visibility, the aircraft skidded, and departed the runway, resulting in landing gear collapse and fuel leakage.

Accident Summary

An airline transport pilot was conducting a landing at a remote airport with a load of cargo and mail. The runway surface was covered by packed snow and ice. The pilot elected to land with a 20-knot quartering tailwind to avoid needing to turn around on the runway in an area of snow and ice. The ramp area of the airport was located at the departure end of the runway.

Accident Sequence

After touchdown, the runway surface and the end of the runway became obscured by blowing snow, which restricted visibility to 400 to 500 feet. The pilot reported applying the brakes, but the airplane began skidding on the ice. The aircraft continued off the departure end of the runway.

Damage

The right main landing gear was sheared off during the excursion. The left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground. The left wing structure was wrinkled, and fuel was observed seeping from the left wing fuel tank.

No other damage or injuries were reported in the source.

Runway excursion

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Apr 1999 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Chevak, AK?

An airline transport pilot landed on a snow- and ice-covered runway with a quartering tailwind. After touchdown, blowing snow reduced visibility, the aircraft skidded, and departed the runway, resulting in landing gear collapse and fuel leakage.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Apr 1999 Piper PA-31-350 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Apr 1999 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N59985, at Chevak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, and his failure to attain the proper touchdown point on the runway. Factors in the accident were a tail wind condition, and the presence of snow and ice on the runway surface.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00404. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.